Why Bukayo Saka starts Arsenal FA Cup tie despite being named on the bench after injury issue

Bukayo Saka was initially named on the bench for Arsenal's FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic but has been brought into the starting XI

Riccardo Calafiori has been replaced in Arsenal's starting XI by Bukayo Saka just moments before kick-off for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Wigan Athletic due to a potential injury.

The Gunners, confirming the decision on social media, wrote: "Saka has replaced Calafiori in the starting lineup and will now captain the side. Ceadach O'Neill has also been called up to the bench."

Myles Lewis-Skelly was set to play in midfield with Calafiori at left-back, but the inclusion of Saka has seen him revert to defence.

Noni Madueke has remained on the right even with Saka starting which has resulted in Mikel Arteta deploying the latter in a central role. He is joined in midfield by Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze.

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It has been a turbulent last 12 months for Calafiori due to injuries with the Italy international only recently back from an issue that kept him out for one month.

Since returning in late January, he has played 127 minutes across five matches with two of those being starts. Injury problems had eased for Arteta over the last few weeks, but that has changed quickly.

Mikel Merino is set to miss a significant period after undergoing surgery on his foot while Kai Havertz has picked up a muscular injury that is expected to keep him out of next weekend's North London Derby against Tottenham.

William Saliba was a surprise absentee for the midweek draw with Brentford but that was due to illness and the Frenchman was back for the visit of Wigan in the cup.

Saka made his return to the fold from a minor injury in that 1-1 draw at the Gtech Communtity Stadium. He had also pulled out of a clash in the warm-up, however the Gunners still went on to win that game against Leeds United 4-0

Another late change did not seem to impact Arsenal that much on home soil with Eze threading a superb bass into Madueke that allowed him to slide home the opener.

Though Arteta has options to replace Calafiori, he will hoping the 23-year-old has not suffered a big problem with more fixtures coming thick and fast.

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